Portuguese Water Dogs: What's Good About 'Em, What's Bad About 'Em

The AKC Standard calls him "an animal of spirited disposition, self-willed, brave, and very resistant to fatigue."

Emotionally the Portuguese Water Dog is stable and sensible. Physically he is lively and athletic, poised for any activity. He loves to play and needs vigorous exercise: long walks, occasional runs, and swimming whenever possible, for he is a master swimmer and diver.

Mental stimulation is just as important to this clever, thinking breed. Get him involved in the sport of agility or advanced obedience, and play lots of vigorous fetching games.

If you're not an outdoorsy person or if you just want an undemanding pet, this is not the breed for you.

When well socialized, his reaction to strangers varies from friendly to polite, but he should always remain steadfast and hold his ground. This observant breed makes a fine watchdog, but not a guardian.

Most Portuguese Water Dogs are accepting of other pets when raised with them.

PWDs are strong-minded, with an independent streak and a wicked sense of humor. Consistent leadership is a must.

A natural retriever, the Portuguese Water Dog is a very mouthy dog who will pick up everything in his path, chew up both edible and inedible objects, and try to gnaw on your hands. Provide a box filled with toys so he can satisfy his oral fixation by carrying something around in his mouth.

Youngsters are especially rambunctious, bore easily, and without enough attention and structured activity can excavate vast chasms in your yard.

If you want a dog who...

Keep in mind that the inheritance of temperament is less predictable than the inheritance of physical traits such as size or shedding. Temperament and behavior are also shaped by raising and training.

• You can avoid some negative traits by choosing an ADULT dog from an animal shelter or rescue group. With an adult dog, you can easily see what you're getting, and plenty of adult Portuguese Water Dogs have already proven themselves not to have negative characteristics.
• If you want a puppy, you can avoid some negative traits by choosing the right breeder and the right puppy. Unfortunately, you usually can't tell whether a puppy has inherited temperament or health problems until he grows up.
• Finally, you can avoid some negative traits by training your Portuguese Water Dog to respect you and by following the 11-step care program in my book, 11 Things You Must Do Right To Keep Your Dog Healthy and Happy.

More traits and characteristics of the Portuguese Water Dog

If I was considering a Portuguese Water Dog, I would be most concerned about...

1. Providing enough exercise and mental stimulation. Portuguese Water Dogs are not couch potatoes. Oh sure, they can be if you provide ample opportunities for them to vent their energy and do interesting things. If you can't meet their needs, they will become rambunctious and bored, which they usually express by barking and destructive chewing.

   It's tempting for owners to think that all misbehaviors can be solved by training. That's not true. Many misbehaviors are caused by the owner failing to provide smart, lively breeds with enough exercise and interesting things to do. So choose your breed wisely!

2. Bounciness. Young Portuguese Water Dogs (up to about two years old) romp and jump with great vigor, and things can go flying, including small children and infirm people.
3. Mind of their own. Portuguese Water Dogs are smart and capable of learning a great deal. But they do have an independent mind of their own. They can be manipulative and willful. You must show them, through absolute consistency, that you mean what you say. To teach your Portuguese Water Dog to listen to you, "Respect Training" is mandatory. Read more about Portuguese Water Dog Training.
4. Grooming. Portuguese Water Dogs have a tousled coat that requires regular brushing, and also a considerable amount of trimming and clipping.
5. Shedding. Contrary to what some breeders claim, the Portuguese Water Dog is NOT a good choice for people with allergies. This breed is not hypoallergenic. He produces dander and he sheds. What happens is that most of his shed hairs get caught in his touseled coat rather than ending up on your floor. Thus, frequent brushing is essential not only for keeping the coat mat-free, but for removing shed hair.
6. Health problems. Hip dysplasia, eye diseases, heart disease, skin conditions, immune system disorders – read more about Portuguese Water Dog Health.